Rector at University of Bergen says he supports boycott; some lecturers complain to Israeli embassy

Yaheli Moran Zelikovich |Published: 01.24.10 , 00:25

University of Bergen, among Norway's largest academic institutions, intends to impose an official academic boycott against Israel over what it claims is its apartheid-like conduct, Ynet has learned.

The university's management has not yet officially responded to the move or presented its stance on the issue. However, the institution's Rector, Signumd Gronmo, enthusiastically supports the boycott calls.

In a debate held last week regarding the question of academic boycotts, the rector boasted that his university does not maintain any ties with Israeli academia and told attendants he wishes to enlist the support of lecturers at the university to realize the boycott call.

The rector said that the move has encountered difficulties because of a "handful of objectors" who aim to torpedo the move. However, lecturers at the university who oppose the boycott handed over a complaint regarding the rector's words to Israel's embassy over the weekend.

University of Bergen boasts roughly 14,500 students and employsabout 3,200 staff members.